Finding city revenue: Seek more private partners

March 03. 2014 7:03PMManchester aldermen meet tonight to consider new sources of revenue for the city. One proposal is to develop "market-based revenue opportunities." In other words, contract with private companies to advertise, sponsor and otherwise finance certain city services. It is about time.

Jennie Angell, director of Information Services, recently recommended the move after Mayor Ted Gatsas asked department heads for revenue suggestions. As this newspaper has pointed out for years, many other municipalities are partnering with private companies to sponsor specific facilities or advertise on city property, and Manchester is missing out by not aggressively courting such relationships. States, including New Hampshire, are doing it, too.

Manchester has sold some advertising, but the potential for more partnerships is great. It is long past time the city pursued these arrangements systematically so the burden on taxpayers can be alleviated.